Initial Posting Date:

04/27/2026

Application Deadline:

05/11/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish!

Job Description:

Bilingual Required – English & Spanish

To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. Employment is contingent upon passing a speaking assessment. Candidates who meet the bilingual proficiency standards will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay

Opportunity awaits!

Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.

As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry, you will work in the Hood River office assisting Oregonians in-person.

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry, you will:

• Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for individuals and families to interact with the department.

• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.

• Assist Oregonians in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the Oregon Eligibility application, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.

• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.

• Financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.

• Providing support for the business functions within the office.

Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).          

Minimum Qualifications

• To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.

• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service. This experience must have involved a high volume of work (e.g., data entry, assuring information on applications is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents, etc.); OR

• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six months of experience working in a busy reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service; OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases.

• Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer‑service environment.

• Proven ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work.

• Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.

• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.

• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.

• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

Attention all candidates!

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

Working Conditions

• Your work schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, Monday – Friday. Occasionally you will need to adjust your schedule based on service need. No option for remote work.

• This position is in a store front office.

• The role requires flexibility to assist various district offices on a temporary and long-term basis, ensuring continuity of operations.

• You will be working in a fast-paced environment at times.

• High volume of individual and family contact.

• You will be exposed to a diverse range of customers and will need to respond with compassion and professionalism through a cultural and trauma informed lens.

• You will have contact with a range of people including some who may be experiencing emotional and financial stress.

• You will work with domestic violence survivors. These situations may be stressful and understanding self-care and available resources are important.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

• May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

• Amazing benefits package.

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!